Matt Prior

Matt Prior
Title: Editor-at-large

Matt is Autocar’s lead features writer and presenter, is the main face of Autocar’s YouTube channel, presents the My Week In Cars podcast and has written his weekly column, Tester’s Notes, since 2013.

Matt is an automotive engineer who has been writing and talking about cars since 1997. He joined Autocar in 2005 as deputy road test editor, prior to which he was road test editor and world rally editor for Channel 4’s automotive website, 4Car. 

Into all things engineering and automotive from any era, Matt is as comfortable regularly contributing to sibling titles Move Electric and Classic & Sports Car as he is writing for Autocar. He has a racing licence, and some malfunctioning classic cars and motorbikes. 

Matt is an expert in:

  • Engineering and technology
  • Road testing
  • Vehicle dynamics

Matt Prior Q&A

What was your biggest news story?

Matt is consistently among the first journalists to drive the world’s most important new cars. Nearly 2m people have watched his thoughts on the McLaren F1, P1, and Senna specials. Was first to break the news that Mitsubishi was cancelling the Evo and pivoting to electrification, a story picked-up (and initially disbelieved) worldwide.

What’s the best car you’ve ever driven?

Arguably not a McLaren F1, nor a Bugatti Chiron or Bentley Batur, but a 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec S. So much fun on the road, in a compact package with a superb ride and handling mix, brilliant steering, and all for under £15,000 at the time.

What will the car industry look like in 20 years?

For most of us, the car will still be the quickest, easiest and most cost-efficient way to get around.

Opinion

'Dodici Cilindri', or just 'Twelve C'? The car name pronunciation game

Many would call Fiat's city car a 'Five Hundred' rather than a 'Cinquecento', but that logic doesn't always apply...

'Dodici Cilindri', or just 'Twelve C'? The car name pronunciation game
Car review

Porsche Macan Electric

Can the highly popular SUV retain traditional Porsche qualities as it enters the age of EVs?

Porsche Macan Electric
Opinion

Inside the tin shed responsible for thousands of race wins

Could the Jack French garage at the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum be the biggest unsung hero in British motorsport?

Inside the tin shed responsible for thousands of race wins
Opinion

In-wheel EV motors: Should we be reinventing the wheel?

Prior dives head first into the burgeoning world of in-wheel electric motors

In-wheel EV motors: Should we be reinventing the wheel?
Long-Term Review

BMW i5 Touring 2024 long-term test

All-wheel-drive version of long-running exec estate arrives in EV form

BMW i5 Touring 2024 long-term test
Opinion

Mainstream car TV’s future is perilous in a way it hasn’t been before

The casual TV viewer isn’t currently getting a motoring fix - and that's worrying

Mainstream car TV’s future is perilous in a way it hasn’t been before
motor museums vauxhall corsa roadtrip jh 205
Corsa is a surprisingly capable cruiser – perfect for running to a museum such as the Great British Car Journey...
News

Revisiting Britain's best car museums - and the Vauxhall Corsa

We take the oft-forgotten supermini on a road trip to some overlooked attractions

Revisiting Britain's best car museums - and the Vauxhall Corsa
Opinion

Are there any '1' names left after the McLaren W1?

What's in a name? We reflect on why McLaren dubbed its new car the W1

Are there any '1' names left after the McLaren W1?
Car review

Used Ford Ranger 2011-2022 review

The Ford Ranger neatly blends ruggedness with car-like refinement and usability - but is it still a sensible purchase second hand?

Used Ford Ranger 2011-2022 review
Long-Term Review

Land Rover Defender 130 2024 long-term test

Did this extra-long, extra-plush 130 convince our classic 90 owner?

Land Rover Defender 130 2024 long-term test
Car review

Ferrari 12Cilindri

New flagship Ferrari GT arrives with an 819bhp V12 engine, a two-seat interior and sci-fi looks

Ferrari 12Cilindri

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